Is This Real?

Hi Friends!

Have you ever had one of those moments that felt surreal? Perhaps it was your wedding or maybe the birth of your child. Those have certainly been high watermarks in my life. Recently, I had one of those experiences where I kept pinching myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.

I found myself at a banquet table for 10 listening to former President George W. Bush share some of his story. As I glanced around the table, I began to realize the magnitude of that evening…my seatmates had some pretty accomplished lives: first of all, a President of the United States who graduated from Yale. Pretty impressive already. Next to me sat a couple who were billionaires. The man to the left of me graduated from MIT. Next to him sat a Harvard MBA graduate. Next to George W. sat a lady who had her master’s degree from Duke University. Should I have been intimidated? Um, yes. And terribly humbled. Once again, I wondered if this was just a dream.

The next thing I knew, I was standing on a stage in front of over 1,000 people reciting a line scripted by the Secret Service: “And now, ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to introduce to you the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush.” As the President walked up onto the stage, we shook hands, and then he kissed my cheek…my right cheek which I’m not planning to wash anytime soon. Just kidding. But I did wait a day or two before scrubbing my face.

What was the Lord thinking placing me in a position to emcee an event like this? I felt totally ill-equipped and certainly not up to the task, but how could I say no? I prayed for God to give me courage, warmth, and ability. God told me that this event was not about me, but about Him. In fact, it was also about a man who could have comfortably retired at the age of 65, but instead felt called by God to start a ministry planting churches in 3rd world countries. This man, Dois Rosser, now 95 years old, continues to work every day in this ministry. Did Dois ever feel ill-equipped to start a ministry in his latter years that would plant 5,000 churches blanketing 69 nations? More than likely! Now that inspires me!

I love to see God’s hand at work all around us. Equipping, empowering and transforming. What a joy to serve our Lord in such unique ways if only we make ourselves available and allow Him to do the rest! It’s easy when we rest in His power and love. God makes the surreal real. With Him, all things are truly possible. You and I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens us. God’s amazing like that!